“4x4” is the title of Carla Bley’s new album and also the name of her new octet. It’s a stripped-down version of her Big Band. Carla’s cast off three trumpets, three trombones and three reeds, but there is no loss of power. On the contrary, like other great jazz composers before her, Bley knows how to maximise her resources. This is a very big-sounding octet and the new format allows for increased manoeuvrability, as well as extended features for a stellar cast.